Key Takeaways:

• Knicks defense ranks 18th in the NBA, allowing 114.8 points per 100 possessions.
• Struggles on rotations and communication hurt the team in Monday’s Nets game.
• Star perimeter shooters found open looks too often.
• Improvement requires effort, tactical tweaks, and stronger rotations.

On Monday night, the Knicks defense showed too many cracks. They allowed the Nets to score at will. As a result, New York gave up 114.8 points per 100 possessions. That number places the Knicks defense at 18th in the league. Fans and analysts alike wondered why such soft coverage still exists. After all, this team wants to fight for a playoff spot.

Knicks defense Under Fire in Nets Showdown

In the first quarter, the Nets moved the ball with pace. Consequently, open three-pointers rained down. Moreover, switches on screens left big men stuck on quicker guards. Thus, the defense looked slow and unsure. Meanwhile, the Nets attacked the paint at will. They posted up smaller defenders and drove past help. As a result, New York trailed by double digits before halftime.

How Knicks defense Left Gaps Against the Nets

First, the team struggled to secure defensive rebounds. Long rebounds fell to Nets players, giving them second-chance points. Second, the pick-and-roll defense lacked coordination. Big men hedged too far, leaving shooters open on the weak side. Third, communication breakdowns led to missed rotations. Players stared at the ball instead of talking to each other. Fourth, lazy closeouts allowed guards to blow by for easy layups. All these factors boosted the Nets’ confidence on offense.

Main Problems in Knicks Defense

Rotations and Help Defense

The Knicks defense often failed to rotate quickly. When one defender stepped up, the next man hesitated. That hesitation created open lanes. Meanwhile, the help defender arrived late, giving the ball handler time to pick apart the paint.

Perimeter Coverage

Opponents knocked down too many jump shots. Without a quick closeout, shooters launched from deep corners. Even when contested, those shots found the rim. This pattern left fans frustrated.

Rebounding

A team’s defense starts with rebounding. Yet, the Knicks defense allowed second-chance boards. Opponents crashed the glass with purpose. In turn, the extra possessions led to easy putbacks.

Transition Defense

After missed shots, the Nets sprinted ahead in transition. The Knicks defense struggled to get back. Players turned and watched instead of sprinting to recover. Thus, fast breaks turned into quick buckets.

What This Means for the Season

So far, the Knicks defense sits near the bottom half of the standings. If they want to reach the playoffs, they must tighten up. Teams that defend well win more games. That fact holds true in every era. Therefore, this squad faces pressure to improve quickly. Against elite offensive teams, those weaknesses will be exposed. Consequently, upcoming matchups become must-wins if they seek home-court advantage.

Factors Behind the Dip in Defensive Rating

Roster Changes

New faces mean new chemistry. Some defenders need time to learn rotations. Additionally, injuries have kept key role players out. Without depth, the defense lacks energy in the second half.

Coaching Adjustments

The coaching staff has experimented with different schemes. Sometimes they switch; other times they drop into zone. While variety can confuse opponents, it can also confuse your own players. The result: mixed success.

Pace of Play

The NBA features fast offenses that thrive on quick shots. Teams aim to finish possessions in fewer than 12 seconds. When the pace speeds up, defensive players get tired faster. That fatigue leads to missed assignments.

Confidence

Once a team surrenders open looks, confidence can drain away. Hesitation takes the place of aggression. Suddenly, every closeout looks late. Rebuilding confidence is as vital as any tactical change.

Steps to Improve Knicks defense

1. Emphasize Communication

Coaches must drill calls on screens and rotations. Simple phrases like “I got ball” or “help” can prevent confusion. When players speak up, the defense flows like a single unit.

2. Drill Closeouts

Repetition on sprinting to shooters is key. Players should practice under control and contest with balance. That way, they challenge shots without fouling.

3. Improve Rebounding Focus

A mindset shift can spark better boards. Every player must box out aggressively. Guards can crash the glass too. Extra rebounders mean fewer second chances for opponents.

4. Simplify Schemes

Sometimes less is more. If complex schemes confuse players, revert to basics. Man-to-man defense with clear rules can restore confidence. Once fundamentals click, add wrinkles back in.

5. Rotate Roles

Resting starters at the right time keeps energy high. Role players must stay ready to step in. Fresh legs on defense can maintain intensity throughout the game.

What Fans Should Watch Next

In upcoming games, track how the Knicks defense reacts early. Do they communicate on every possession? Watch their closeouts on three-point shooters. Also, see if they box out after every miss. If these habits appear, the team might climb in defensive rankings. Moreover, pay attention to bench players. They can provide bursts of energy. Finally, note how coaches adjust at halftime. Quick fixes reveal a smart staff.

Outlook and Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the Knicks defense has work ahead. However, this team has talent and coaching savvy. With focused effort, they can rise into the top half of the league. As the season unfolds, defensive identity often defines contenders. If New York locks in, the playoffs become attainable. On the other hand, continued lapses could leave them watching from home. At the end of the day, defense wins games. And every game counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a defensive rating of 114.8 mean?

Defensive rating shows how many points a team allows per 100 possessions. A 114.8 rating means opponents score nearly 115 points every 100 times they have the ball.

Why is the Knicks defense struggling?

Several factors play a part. Rotational breakdowns, slow closeouts, rebounding issues, and fatigue all contribute to their defensive woes.

Which players must step up on defense?

Role players and starters both need to raise their energy. Guards should contest shots, while big men must secure boards and protect the paint.

How can the team improve quickly?

Focusing on communication, rebounding drills, simple schemes, and fresh rotations can turn things around fast. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/24/kristian-winfield-knicks-have-championship-goals-but-defend-ball-like-a-lottery-team/